Summary
The Pooh Way is the Wu Wei, which means "without doing, causing, or making." "Tao does not do, but nothing is not done." (Tao Te Ching, Chapter 37)
Pooh follows the Wu Wei, as he is an effortless bear who allows things to take place naturally.
To get Eeyore out of the river, Pooh drops stones into the water so that they make waves, washing Eeyore to the river bank.
When the lid on piglet's jar is stuck, Pooh opens it by twisting it until he can't twist any harder, and then twisting it a little more. Tigger's jar slips out of his paw because he tries too hard to twist it.
The Wu Wei of solving problems does not require thought because things just work out.
Pooh and his friends are looking for a small beetle, when Pooh finds it on his back.
Pooh gets Eeyore a pot of honey for his birthday, but ends up eating it on his way to the party. Piglet gets him a balloon, but pops it while running to the party in a hurry. Pooh gives Eeyore the "useful pot" where the popped balloon can be kept.
Thematic analysis
Knowledge tries to figure out creative ways to solve problems. The Wu Wei does not try to think; it just does what needs to be done.
The Wu Wei lets things happen instead of working hard. In fact, things do not work when one tries too hard. A mind that tries too hard and thinks too much becomes tense, awkward and confused. Taoists accept the circumstances and listen to their own intuition.
The Wu Wei "flows like water, reflects like a mirror, and responds like an echo." – Chuang-tse
Let your mind flow along and reflect what it sees, so that it can respond with the answer.
Tai Chi Chuan is a martial art that reflects the idea of Wu Wei. The goal is to weaken the opponent's power, balance, and position-for-defence by sending his energy back at him or by deflecting it away. Unlike most martial arts, tai chi does not oppose force with force. Instead, force is overcome by neutralising the power, or by yielding.
Discussion questions
What is the Wu Wei or “The Pooh Way” according to Hoff? (67-8)
How does the quote, “Tao does not do, but nothing is not done,” explain Wu Wei or “The Pooh Way?” (70)
Bisy Backson
Summary
Bisy Backson = "Busy, Back Soon"
Characterization of Bisy Backsons: The Tao of Pooh Pg. 92-93, "There was a man...would have disappeared."
Starts by Rabbit looking for Christopher Robin.
Rabbit finds this note on the door and goes looking for the Backson:
http://www.aiweins.ru/i/cr_sp.gif
Are you a Bisy Backson?
Rabbit himself is also a Bisy Backson – he is desperately active and has no time to rest.
Rabbit encourages Pooh to be busy, h/e Pooh
Backsons are always in such a hurry because they have no time to waste. They spend all their time trying to save to the best of their ability.
How does the Bisy Backson waste time by trying to save it?
One can not save time; one can only spend time.
Since one can only spend time either wisely or foolishly, Bisy Backsons' efforts to try to save time is virtually wasting time foolishly.
Thematic analysis
Backsons confuse exercise with work. They work when they work, work when they exercise, work when they play, which makes them very dull.
But why do they work?
Backsons believe that one day, they will receive a Great Reward for their hard work.
Discussion questions
Are you a Bisy Backson? (94)
How does the Bisy Backson waste time by trying to save it? (108-109)
The Tao of Pooh
Group 4: Ted, Jeong Min, Jin, ChloeThe Pooh Way
SummaryThe Pooh Way is the Wu Wei, which means "without doing, causing, or making."
"Tao does not do, but nothing is not done." (Tao Te Ching, Chapter 37)
Pooh follows the Wu Wei, as he is an effortless bear who allows things to take place naturally.
The Wu Wei of solving problems does not require thought because things just work out.
Thematic analysis
Knowledge tries to figure out creative ways to solve problems. The Wu Wei does not try to think; it just does what needs to be done.
The Wu Wei lets things happen instead of working hard. In fact, things do not work when one tries too hard. A mind that tries too hard and thinks too much becomes tense, awkward and confused. Taoists accept the circumstances and listen to their own intuition.
The Wu Wei "flows like water, reflects like a mirror, and responds like an echo." – Chuang-tse
Let your mind flow along and reflect what it sees, so that it can respond with the answer.
Tai Chi Chuan is a martial art that reflects the idea of Wu Wei. The goal is to weaken the opponent's power, balance, and position-for-defence by sending his energy back at him or by deflecting it away. Unlike most martial arts, tai chi does not oppose force with force. Instead, force is overcome by neutralising the power, or by yielding.
Discussion questions
Bisy Backson
Summary
Bisy Backson = "Busy, Back Soon"
Characterization of Bisy Backsons: The Tao of Pooh Pg. 92-93, "There was a man...would have disappeared."
Starts by Rabbit looking for Christopher Robin.
Rabbit finds this note on the door and goes looking for the Backson:
Are you a Bisy Backson?
How does the Bisy Backson waste time by trying to save it?
Thematic analysis
Backsons confuse exercise with work. They work when they work, work when they exercise, work when they play, which makes them very dull.
But why do they work?
Backsons believe that one day, they will receive a Great Reward for their hard work.
Discussion questions